Criticism and contempt are two of four communication behaviors known as the “four horsemen,” which, according to research by psychologist John Gottman, Ph.D., are linked to higher odds of divorce.

People usually criticize someone when they’re upset about something that person has or hasn’t done. While it’s important to be able to voice complaints and needs in relationships, criticism turns an ask into an attack. According to marriage and family therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, you can usually tell you’re criticizing someone if you use words like “always” or “never” (e.g., “You always leave the dishes in the sink” or “You never listen to me”).

“The use of criticism in a relationship is usually due to having unmet needs. Sadly, when you wrap those unmet needs in criticism, you are even less likely to get them met by your partner,” Earnshaw writes at mbg, adding that your partner will likely get defensive rather than openly listening to your concerns.

Contempt, on the other hand, takes criticism one step further by adding a layer of condescension and cruelty. Rather than just criticizing, the goal of this type of language is to put the other person down. (For example: “Can’t you do anything right? Toddlers can follow directions better than you.”)

Restorative yoga is all about slowing down, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and facilitating healing. In this type of practice, you’ll typically hold poses longer than in a more active class (such as vinyasa), and use supporting props like blankets, bolsters, blocks, etc. (To learn more about the practice, check out our guide on restorative yoga.)

As a yoga instructor myself, I’ve rounded up nine of my favorite restorative yoga poses to get you started, demonstrated by Phyllicia Bonanno, Emily Chen, and Juanina Kocher.

When the conflict starts to get heated, the Gottmans say you should simply take a break: “Stop on a dime at that point,” says Julie. “Don’t try to get in the last word, if your partner’s [the one] asking for the break.” 

However, you don’t want to leave the conversation with no plan of action. Make sure to say when you’ll come back to continue the conversation. “That’s crucial, because if you don’t and you’re the one asking for the break, your partner may feel abandoned or rejected,” Julie notes. In terms of timing, she says the break can last from a minimum of 20 minutes up to 24 hours—don’t make it last longer than a day, or she says it can start to feel like a punishment. 

Now, here’s the challenging bit: When you’re separated during this break, participate in something self-soothing. “This is crucial,” Julie says. “A lot of people will think about the fight and what they should say when they go back: ‘What’s a perfect rebute, what’s a perfect response?’ That’s terrible to do, because it keeps you engaged internally in the fight. As long as you’re thinking about it, your body can’t calm down.” 

In other words: On your break, do something to get your mind off the conflict. Take a walk, watch TV, listen to music, practice yoga or meditation—anything that brings your mind to a calmer state. That way, “when you go back at the designated time you agreed to, you’re calm, and the conversation is entirely changed.” 

Tretinoin is by no means new to skincare. In fact, it was the first FDA-approved retinoid to help treat and prevent acne. “Tretinoin is another topical retinoid, derived from vitamin A, that also helps to prevent and treat acne,” Libby says. “It is more well-studied for its anti-aging benefits and works to increase cell turnover, improving the thickness of the epidermis and minimizing fine lines, while improving discolorations and treating acne,” she says.  

Unlike adapalene, you can’t buy tretinoin over-the-counter. This retinoid is only available by prescription. One of the downsides of tretinoin is the timeline it takes to see results and the possibility of pesky side effects. 

For example, if you have sensitive skin, this may not be the retinoid for you. Tretinoin works by irritating further to activate cell turnover, you may experience redness, irritation, blisters, and even a change in skin pigmentation. So, it’s important to only use this product with the supervision of a doctor. And even with the undesirable side effects, research shows that tretinoin helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, correct skin texture and tone and even reduce hyperpigmentation.  

The typical trash bag is made of strong, stretchy polyethylene—the world’s most widely used type of plastic. Often derived from petroleum or natural gas, these bags linger in the environment for hundreds of years, if not longer. “Compostable” and “biodegradable” bags are often marketed as eco-friendly alternatives.

While those two terms may sound interchangeable, they’re not exactly the same. If a bag is biodegradable, it means that when left in a totally natural environment, over time it will eventually start to degrade with the help of biological helpers like bacteria or fungi.

While certainly a nice idea on paper, the term doesn’t say anything about how long this process takes to happen, so it’s a bit vague and leaves room to be abused or misused as greenwashing.

If a bag is compostable, it means that it will break down in a very specific set of controlled conditions within a certain amount of time, without leaving any toxic residue in the environment. While this term can also be misused, it’s more strictly regulated.

Compostable bags are usually made from plants like corn or potatoes instead of petroleum. If a bag is certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in the U.S., that means at least 90% of its plant-based material completely breaks down within 84 days in an industrial compost facility.

“All products certified by BPI are tested in independent, accredited testing labs,” a company representative tells mbg. “Those test results are then evaluated by a third-party technical reviewer.” Nearly 12,000 products are now third-party certified by the BPI and carry its signature leaf-and-tree seal.

If you’re looking for a trash bag that can quickly return to the earth after you’re done with it, that’s the seal to look for.